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Each year top prospects from all organizations get together to play in the Arizona Fall League. There have been plenty of big name players before and this season is no different with Nationals star prospect Stephen Strasburg making his debut. Now that is cool for all of baseball, but the AFL is also interesting for those who want to see how some Cubs prospects do against a bit tougher competition.
This season the Cubs send a number of players to the AFL, all of whom play on the Mesa Solar Sox. Pitchers Jon Gaub, Andrew Cashner, James Russell and Blake Parker join shortstop Starlin Castro, catcher Wellington Castillo and third baseman Josh Vitters on the Solar Sox.
All of these guys are basically on the "fast track" to the big leagues. Gaub is probably the closest as a LOOGY, and Castro is the 2011 starting shortstop barring something crazy. All seven of these guys are names to remember not only this October in the AFL, but in the future as all have a chance to be important Cubs down the line.
The AFL is made up of six teams, and they play from October 13th to November 19th. Most of the games happen around lunchtime in Arizona, though there is one night game each day. Odds are no more than about 100 people will ever be at an AFL game, the exception being some Strasburg games I'm sure. Really the AFL is a way for young players to get more playing time in a team controlled environment.
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Of all the Cubs prospects the AFL might be most important for Josh Vitters and Castillo. Castillo is said to have a throwing arm at catcher that rivals Yadier Molina, but the rest of his defense leaves some to be desired. He also had a brutal first half with the bat, before having somewhat of a better second half. He might be the next hope at catcher if Soto can't get better, so his development is key.
Vitters is still young, but he has shown some disturbing characteristics already. His jump to High-A was nothing short of awful, he barely hit at all and his power was almost nonexistent. His defense at third base is already questionable, and to top it all off he has struggled with injuries since starting play for the Cubs. His high strikeout rate and inability to take walks scares the hell out of me, and honestly I don't think he will make it right now. A good AFL performance against High-A and AA pitching talent could go a long way.
For Starlin Castro it is a chance to show why he is probably the Cubs top prospect at this point. I've read reports that say his defense is improving and that he has the chance to be damn good as a shortstop. His bat still hovers around singles and occasional doubles power, but they say he will develop more power as he gets older. Remember that Castro is only 19 and that for all the ability and skills he's already shown, he has tons of room to get even better.
Andrew Cashner is the first round pick of 2008 that is showing he has some good ability. RIght now barring health issues his floor is a solid set-up man and his ceiling is a dominant starting pitcher. He started most of this season making it all the way to AA and despite limited innings put up solid numbers. He won't pitch too much in the AFL, but expect him to look pretty good. He is working on a changeup to go with a great fastball and slider. He is the Cubs top pitching prospect right now.
Jon Gaub is one of the three pitchers acquired in the DeRosa trade, and he is preparing to compete for a bullpen spot in 2010. He has some control issues, his control was rated a 13 by one site (for comparison Marmol is rated 27). He is a crazy strikeout guy though and should be a nice weapon out of the bullpen when he's ready for the big leagues.
Blake Parker played first base until 2007 when he was converted into a pitcher. His arm is rated solid for both strikeouts and control (the control a bit less). Parker spent most of the season in AAA and could be a bullpen arm type in a year or two, converted guys need more than two years to develop. Considering his solid numbers at Iowa it looks like Parker has a bright future as a relief guy.
James Russell is another guy higher up in the system that is getting some extended innings. He started the season in AA but moved up to AAA and found some success. He has started and pitched in a relief role this season, his changeup is his best pitch. The Cubs are likely trying to get a better feel on what role Russell will take next season in Iowa.
I'll update the AFL when it beings.
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